Electrosurgical device having a dielectrical seal

ABSTRACT

An electrosurgical device is provided having at least one elastomeric seal capable of providing bio-contamination and dielectric protection by inhibiting the ingress of fluids and contaminants through the nose and actuator areas. The elastomeric seal is manufactured from a thermoplastic elastomer or resin which while in liquid form is placed within a mold. A housing section having the main circuit components and mechanisms of the electrosurgical device is then placed within the mold. Once the elastomer cures, the elastomeric seal seals the components and mechanisms within the housing partial-section. The elastomeric seal defines a flexible first opening at a distal end of the electrosurgical device to accommodate varying diameters of electrodes or blades connected to the nose area of the electrosurgical device. An actuator seal is also provided on the actuator area of the electrosurgical device to prevent fluids and contaminants from entering the electrosurgical device through the actuator area. Two buttons are insert molded within the actuator seal and are operatively associated with a self-cleaning switching mechanism within the housing section to operate the electrosurgical device between a cutting and coagulating mode. The actuator seal is also manufactured from a thermoplastic elastomer or resin.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Applications60/101,489 and 60/105,367 filed on Sep. 23, 1998 and Oct. 23, 1998,respectively; the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This disclosure relates generally to an electrosurgical device of thetype having an actuator for alternating between a cauterizing and acutting mode. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to anelectrosurgical device having an elastomeric seal for providingbio-contamination and dielectric protection by preventing fluids fromentering the nose and actuator areas of the electrosurgical device.

2. Background of the Related Art

Electrosurgical devices suitable for use in surgical procedures such ascauterizing, cutting and similar procedures are well known. For example,U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,648,001; 3,801,766; 4,827,911; 4,827,927; 5,088,997;5,217,457; and 5,244,462, the contents of which are incorporated hereinby reference, disclose such electrosurgical devices. Typically, theseelectrosurgical devices introduce RF cauterizing current, cuttingcurrent, or a blend thereof to a conductive blade inserted within a nosearea of a longitudinal housing by means of a finger-operated switchactuating member disposed on the housing and electrically coupled to theelectrode and a generator. Optionally, such devices include suction andirrigation capabilities. These features are typically controlled throughcontrol mechanisms contained within the electrosurgical device and areactuated with the actuating member or some other actuator disposed onthe housing or on the generator.

In some procedures, the advancement of the blade into body tissue toperform a surgical procedure causes fluids and bio-materials to collectnear the device adjacent the nose or actuator areas. These fluids andbio-materials may deposit on the control mechanisms and wires within thehousing thereby making it difficult to sterilize and reuse the device.Additionally, conductive fluids can provide an undersirable conductivepath from the electrode to the surgeon and other objects in the surgicalsite, if fluid enters the nose or actuator areas.

Accordingly, a need exists for an electrosurgical device where the mainoperating components and mechanisms are provided within a sealedenvironment to provide bio-contamination and dielectric protection. Aneed further exists for a method of manufacturing an electrosurgicaldevice where the method provides at least one seal for theelectrosurgical device. Another need which exists is for anelectrosurgical device having a counting mechanism for indicating to anoperator the number of times the device has been plugged into anelectric generator. Still, a need exists for the counting mechanism tohave a disable mechanism for preventing the electrosurgical device frombeing plugged into the electric generator after a pre-determined amountof insertion and removal operations. A need also exists for a seal thatcan be easily applied to an electrosurgical device, is inexpensive,simple and reliable and which provides bio-contamination and dielectricprotection by inhibiting the ingress of fluids and contaminants throughthe nose and actuator areas. A need further exists for a seal thatprovides bio-contamination and dielectric protection by inhibiting theingress of fluids and contaminants through the nose and actuator areas.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present disclosure, an electrosurgical device isprovided having at least one elastomeric seal capable of providingbio-contamination and dielectric protection by inhibiting the ingress offluids and contaminants through the nose and actuator areas. Theelectrosurgical device is of the type used to perform cauterizing andcutting of body tissue by means of a finger-actuated switch actuatingmeans. The elastomeric seal is manufactured from a thermoplasticelastomer or resin which is placed in liquid form within a mold. Ahousing partial-section having the main circuit components andmechanisms of the electrosurgical device is then placed within the mold.Once the elastomer cures, the elastomeric seal seals the components andmechanisms within the housing partial-section. The elastomeric sealdefines a flexible first opening at a distal end of the electrosurgicaldevice to accommodate varying diameters of electrodes or bladesconnected to the nose area of the electrosurgical device.

An actuator seal is also provided on the actuator area of theelectrosurgical device to prevent fluids and contaminants from enteringthe electrosurgical device through the actuator area. Two buttons areinsert molded within the actuator seal and are operatively associatedwith a self-cleaning switching mechanism within the housingpartial-section to operate the electrosurgical device between a cuttingand coagulating mode. The actuator seal is also manufactured from athermoplastic elastomer or resin.

The preferred self-cleaning switching mechanism includes a switchcontact plate having pair of movable contacts with contact faces. Eachmovable contact corresponds to a stationary contact positioned within acircuit mold. Each stationary contact has a contact face aligned with arespective contact face of the corresponding movable contact. As theactuator seal is depressed, contact faces of the movable and stationarycontacts slide along each other to clean the contacts of, e.g.,non-conductive corrosion and contaminants.

The electrosurgical device is further provided with a counting mechanismfor counting the number of times the device is plugged into an electricgenerator. The counting mechanism is included at the proximal end of anelectrical cord electrically connecting circuitry within theelectrosurgical device and the electric generator.

Further, in accordance with the present disclosure, an elastomeric sealis disclosed which is manufactured separately from an electrosurgicaldevice it is intended to seal. The seal defines a first opening at adistal end and a second opening at a proximal end for fitting theelastomeric seal over the electrosurgical device. An actuating memberpocket is defined in proximity to the second opening for fitting theactuating member therein. The seal further includes a lip portion havingan elastic wall circumferentially surrounding the first opening toaccommodate varying diameters of electrodes.

In an alternate embodiment, an elastomeric seal is chemically adhered,if the seal is desired to be reusable, or mechanically attached, if theseal is desired to be disposable, to the nose area of an electrosurgicaldevice to prevent fluids and bio-materials from entering the nose areaand preventing establishment of a conductive path. It is contemplatedthat the seal can be friction fit to the nose area of theelectrosurgical device as well. Preferably, the elastomeric sealincludes a soft lip to permit electrodes and blades of varying diametersto be inserted and sealed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment is described herein with reference to thedrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrosurgical device having anelastomeric seal and a counting mechanism according to the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 2 and 2A are perspective views of the electrosurgical device ofFIG. 1 without the elastomeric seal;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3—3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the bottom of the electrosurgicaldevice of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the electrosurgical device of FIG.1;

FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of the switch area shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is an enlarged view of the tip area shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of the electrosurgical device of FIG.1 having an electrode attached thereto;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, side view of the self-cleaning switchingmechanism of the electrosurgical device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, side view of the self-cleaning switchingmechanism being depressed to actuate the electrosurgical device shown inFIG. 1;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are enlarged, perspective views of a switch contactplate having a pair of moving contacts;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, perspective view of the plug connector with anintegral counting mechanism shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, top view of the plug connector of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an exploded, assembly view of the plug connector detailing thecounting mechanism;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged, perspective view of the rotary gear of thecounting mechanism;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged, assembly view of the plug connector with the tophalf-section of the housing removed;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the inner components of the plug connectorshowing the counting mechanism;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the inner components of the plug connector andcounting mechanism when the plug connector is inserted within theelectric generator;

FIG. 13A is an alternative embodiment of the counting mechanism;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an elastomeric seal configured to fitover an electrosurgical device;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the elastomeric seal of FIG. 14 inplace over an electrosurgical device;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16—16 in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the tip area of the electrosurgicaldevice shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the electrosurgical device of FIG.15 having an electrode attached thereto;

FIG. 18A is an enlarged view of the electrode interface area of theelectrosurgical device shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the nose area of an electrosurgicaldevice having an elastomeric seal according to a second embodimentadhered thereto; and

FIG. 20 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along line 20—20 inFIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An electrosurgical device having a seal formed integrally with theelectrosurgical device and two embodiments of an elastomeric seal for astandard electrosurgical device will now be described in detail withreference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designateidentical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. Aself-cleaning switching mechanism and a counting mechanism for theelectrosurgical device having the seal formed integrally therewith arealso described.

While the electrosurgical device having a seal formed integrally ormonolithically therewith and the two embodiments of the elastomeric sealof this disclosure are useful to provide bio-contamination anddielectric protection, particularly in arthroscopic procedures wherethere are large amounts of fluid at the surgical site, by preventingfluid from entering the nose and actuator areas of the electrosurgicaldevice disclosed herein or other standard electrosurgical devices, otherfunctions such as inhibiting contamination of the device or the devicesthe seals are fitted onto are also contemplated.

With reference to FIGS. 1-13, a preferred embodiment of anelectrosurgical device having an integrally or monolithically formedseal, a self-cleaning switching mechanism and a counting mechanism whichcounts the number of times the device is plugged into an electricgenerator will now be described. FIG. 1 illustrates the electrosurgicaldevice designated generally by reference numeral 10 having anelastomeric seal 12, a self-cleaning switching mechanism 14 and acounting mechanism 16. Electrosurgical device 10 is suitable for use insurgical procedures such as cauterizing, cutting and similar procedures.Electrosurgical device 10 introduces RF cauterizing current, cuttingcurrent, or a blend thereof to an electrode 18 (FIG. 4D) protruding froma nose area 20 by means of self-cleaning switching mechanism 14 disposedwithin housing partial-section 22. Device 10 can be sterilized byaccepted sterilization techniques such as, for example, autoclaving orEtO.

Self-cleaning switching mechanism 14 includes a rocker switch 24 capableof operating device 10 between a cutting mode and a coagulating mode.Counting mechanism 16 is included at a proximal end of electrical cord26 for counting the number of times device 10 is plugged into anelectrical generator 28. Electrical cord 26 preferably includes asilicone extruded jacket having three polytetrafluoroethylene insulatedconductors therein and is approximately 4.5 meters in length. Switchingmechanism 14 is further described below with reference to FIGS. 4A and4B and counting mechanism 16 is further described below with referenceto FIGS. 7-13.

With reference to FIGS. 2-3, housing partial-section 22 includes anelongated body portion 30 supporting a tubular member 32 at a distal end34. Although shown as a housing half-section, other configurations ofthe housing are also contemplated such as third sections, quartersections, full sections, etc. Tubular member 32 includes a bore 36therethrough having a female hex 38 in proximity to a female electrodereceptacle 39 which receives electrode sleeve 40 (FIG. 4D). It iscontemplated that receptacle 39 can effectively retain a {fraction(3/32)} inch diameter shank electrode from 0.6 to 0.9 inches in exposedlength. An electrode's molded hex feature is inserted into receptacle 39to prevent electrode 18 from rotating.

A metallic tube member 42 matingly engages one end of tubular member 32.A distal portion of electrode 18 matingly engages metallic tube member42 when electrode 18 is inserted within tubular member 32. Metallic tubemember 42 also makes contact with a wire 44 embedded within molding 46to energize metallic tube member 42 and in turn energize electrode 18upon depression of rocker switch 24 as further described below.

Body portion 30 includes an actuating member pocket 48 for exposingrocker switch 24 as shown by FIG. 2. Body portion 30 further includesseveral protrusions 50 at a proximal end for supporting electric cord 26as shown by FIG. 2A.

Elastomeric seal 12 is formed in and around housing partial-section 22to seal the various components and the self-cleaning switching mechanism14 within housing partial-section 22 and form device 10 as shown byFIGS. 1 and 4. An elastomeric actuator switch seal 52 is also formed inand around rocker switch or actuator 24. It is contemplated thatactuator switch seal 52 provides a tactile response to the operator uponcontact closure in either of the two positions: CUT or COAG (FIG. 1).

The formation of seal 12 entails introducing polypropylene within thebottom of body portion 30 of housing partial-section 22 to fill bodyportion 30 and add stiffness to electrosurgical device 10. Second, thepolypropylene filled housing partial-section 22 is overmolded with apolypropylene-based thermoplastic elastomer to form the final outershape of device 10 including a soft lip 54 (FIG. 4C) around nose area 20to maintain electrode sleeve 40 in place while preventing fluids fromentering nose area 20.

In forming actuator seal 52, a pair of contact inserts 56 are positionedsuch that a contact insert 56 coincides with each end of actuatingmember pocket 48. Polypropylene is then added to form actuator seal 52and to also insert mold inserts 56 within seal 52. One insert is coloredyellow to designate the cutting mode and the other insert is coloredblue to designate the coagulating mode. Preferably, the color yellow isused to identify the cutting insert and the color blue is used toidentify the coagulating insert.

With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, self-cleaning switching mechanism 14will now be described in greater detail. Each insert 56 which is insertmolded within actuator seal 52 corresponds to a respective rocker arm 58of rocker switch 24. Rocker switch 24 is held in place by a supportplate 60 which is press-fitted within housing partial-section 22.Support place 60 includes two openings 62 in alignment with a respectiveprotrusion 64 from rocker switch 24. Each protrusion 64 is capable ofcontacting a switch contact plate 65 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B) whichincludes a pair of moving contacts 66 which engage a correspondingstationary contact 68 when rocker switch 24 is depressed forfacilitating cutting or coagulating. Cutting is facilitated if theyellow insert is depressed and coagulating is facilitated if the blueinsert is depressed.

As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, to facilitate self-cleaning of contact faces70 of moving contacts 66 and of contact faces 72 of stationary contacts68, stationary contacts 68 are angled with respect to moving contacts 66and moving contacts 66 are slightly flexible so that contact faces 70slide across contact faces 72 during operation of switching mechanism14. This eliminates buildup of non-conductive corrosion and contaminantson contact faces 50 and 52 during operation of electrosurgical device10.

With reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, switch contact plate 65 includesprongs 74 on both ends for embedding plate 65 within molding 46 (FIGS.4A and 4D). One prong 74A makes contact with wire 44 and other prongs74B, 74C and 74D make contact with wires 55 to provide cutting andcoagulating electrical connections between wires 55 and electricgenerator 28. It is noted that prong 74C is connected to wire 44 viacentral connection or power bus 75 to provide grounding for both thecutting and coagulating electric circuits.

Switch contact plate 65 further includes two rounded portions 76 capableof making contact with protrusions 64 of rocker arms 58. Roundedportions 76 flex downwards when rocker switch 24 is depressed to causeone of the two moving contacts 66 to contact its correspondingstationary contact 68 and create an electrical connection between wires55, power bus 75, wire 44 and electric generator 28.

Counting mechanism 16 will now be described with reference to FIGS.7-13. Counting mechanism 16 is provided within a plug connector 88. Plugconnector 88 includes a housing 90 having housing half-sections 90 a and90 b for housing various components of counting mechanism 16 therein.Counting mechanism 16 includes a rotary gear 92, a counting gear 94, anda spring-biased member 96. Rotary gear 92 (FIG. 10) includes acylindrical head 98 having a marker 100 on a top surface 102 and acontact member 104 protruding from a lateral surface 106. A gear wheel108 is connected to one end of rotary gear 92. Rotary gear 92 isdesigned to matingly engage a first cylindrical member 110 on housinghalf-section 90 b.

Counting gear 94 includes a circular head 112 designed to matinglyengage a second cylindrical member 114 on housing half-section 90 b.Circular head 112 includes an arrow 116 on a top surface 118 forpointing to a counting sequence 120 on housing half-section 90 a ascounting gear 94 is rotated as further described below. Counting gear 94also includes a gear wheel 122 underneath circular head 112.Spring-biased member 96 includes a cane-shaped member 124 and a spring126. Spring 126 is designed to rest upon a section of bar member 128when counting mechanism 16 is not plugged within electric generator 28.

Housing 90 further includes three openings 130 for placement of prongs132 therein for creating an electrical connection between electricgenerator 28 and electrosurgical device 10. Another opening 134 is alsoincluded for placement of a tubular cord housing 136 housing a proximalend of electrical cord 26. Wires 55 extend from the proximal end ofelectrical cord 26 and are each electrically coupled to a correspondingprong 132 as shown by FIG. 12.

When prongs 132 are plugged into electric generator 28, the distal endof cane-shaped member 124 contacts electric generator 28 and is forcedproximally to push spring 126 against bar-member 128 (FIG. 13). Ascane-shaped member 124 moves proximally, a protrusion 140 makes contactwith gear wheel 108 to turn rotary gear 92 clockwise. Consequently, asrotary gear 92 turns clockwise, contact member 104 makes contact withgear wheel 122 to cause counting gear 94 to turn counter-clockwise. Thiscauses arrow 116 to point to a different position on counting sequence120. When counting mechanism 16 is removed from the electric generator28, spring 126 springs back to move cane-shaped member 124 distally.

After a predetermined amount of insertion and removal operations ofcounting mechanism 16, a point identified as “X” on gear wheel 122 (FIG.13) comes in proximity to rotary gear 92. Point “X” does not include agear for contact member 104 to contact and cause the rotation ofcounting gear 96. Consequently, counting gear 96 remains stationary witharrow 116 pointing to the end of counting sequence 120, therebynotifying the operator to dispose electrosurgical device 10 as indicatedby the icon (hand and trash bin) on housing half-section 90 a. It iscontemplated that rotary gear 92 and counting gear 94 may be positionedduring manufacturing such that point “X” comes in proximity to contactmember 104 after a predetermined amount of insertion and removaloperations, and not necessarily when arrow 116 points to the end ofcounting sequence 120. Although shown herein as a mechanical or analogmechanism, it is also contemplated that the counter/disable mechanismcan be electrical, magnetic, etc.

FIG. 13A depicts an alternative plug connector having a disablemechanism 142 for preventing the plug connector from being plugged intothe electric generator after a pre-determined amount of insertion andremoval operations. Disable mechanism 142 includes a sprocket 144 ongear wheel 122 which engages protrusion 146 on bar member 128 to preventgear wheel 122 from turning counter-clockwise after gear wheel 122 hasmoved a pre-determined number of times. When sprocket 144 engagesprotrusion 146, cane-shaped member 124 does not move proximally uponinsertion into electric generator 28, since gear wheel 108 is preventedfrom turning upon contact with protrusion 140.

With reference now to FIGS. 14-18, an elastomeric seal of a firstembodiment will be described which is designated generally by referencenumeral 150. Seal 150 of FIG. 14 is designed to fit upon a standardelectrosurgical device of the type shown by FIG. 15 and designatedgenerally by reference numeral 152. Similarly to electrosurgical device10, electrosurgical device 152 is suitable for use in surgicalprocedures such as cauterizing, cutting and similar procedures.Electrosurgical device 152 introduces RF cauterizing current, cuttingcurrent, or a blend thereof to an electrode 154 protruding from a nosearea 156 of a longitudinal housing 158 by means of a finger-operatedswitch actuating member 160 disposed on housing 158.

Elastomeric seal 150 includes an elongated body portion 162 having afirst opening 164 at a distal end 166 to accommodate varying diametersof electrodes or blades connected to electrosurgical device 152. Asecond opening 168 is defined at a proximal end 170 for partiallyfitting elastomeric seal 150 over housing 158 of electrosurgical device152 as shown in FIG. 15. Seal 150 includes an actuating member pocket172 in proximity to second opening 168 for fitting actuating member 160therein. Seal 150 further includes a lip portion 174 and an elastic wall176 in nose area 156 having a thickness that is greater than thethickness of body portion 162, thus providing a more rigid structure,for allowing seal 150 to maintain electrode 154 in place whilepreventing fluids from entering nose area 156 as shown by FIGS. 16-17A.

As can be seen from FIG. 18A, the diameter “d” of elastic wall 176 ofnose area 156 is less than the diameter “D” of elongated body portion162. The diameter “d₁” of lip portion 174 is less than the outerdiameter of electrode 154 for seal 150 to further adhere toelectrosurgical device 152 and prevent the ingress of contaminants. Lipportion 174 and elastic wall 176 also allow the accommodation of varyingdiameters of electrodes. Although the diameter “d₁” of lip portion 174is shown to be less than the diameter “d” of elastic wall 176, it isalso contemplated that they can be the same diameter.

After use, seal 150 can be resterilized or disposed of. Elastomeric seal150 can be sterilized by accepted sterilization techniques such as, forexample, autoclaving or EtO.

It is contemplated that seal 150 can be custom-molded for a particularelectrosurgical device. It is further contemplated that seal 150 coversthe entire housing 158 of electrosurgical device 152. Further still, itis contemplated that seal 150 fits snugly around housing 158 to aminimum of 32 mm beyond the closest active contact point of actuatingmember 160.

With reference to FIGS. 19 and 20 there is shown an elastomeric seal ofa second embodiment designated by reference numeral 200 and attached tonose area 156 of electrosurgical device 152. Seal 200 is chemicallyadhered to the nose area 156 which allows for seal 200 to be reusable.It is also contemplated that seal 200 can be mechanically attached tonose area 156 by rivets or other type of mechanical structure forallowing seal 200 to be disposable. It is further contemplated that seal200 can be friction fit to nose area 156 of the electrosurgical deviceas well. Elastomeric seal 200 includes a soft lip 202 and an opening204, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 14-18, to permit electrodes andblades of varying diameters to be inserted and sealed as shown by FIG.20.

It is contemplated that seal 200 can be custom-molded for a particularelectrosurgical device. Seal 200 is preferably manufactured from shore Adurometer silicone or a thermoplastic elastomer. Seal 200 can besterilized by accepted sterilization techniques such as, for example,autoclaving or EtO. After use, seal 200 can be resterilized or disposedof.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to theembodiments disclosed herein. The above description should not beconstrued as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of preferredembodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modificationswithin the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electrosurgical device comprising: a housinghaving a distal end and a switching mechanism configured to operativelycouple to contact structure; an actuator operatively associated with theswitching mechanism for operating the electrosurgical device between acutting and a coagulating mode; and a seal overlaying at least a portionof the distal end of the housing and at least a portion of the switchingmechanism for preventing fluids and contaminants from entering thehousing, said seal defining an opening at the distal end of the housingfor inserting an electrode therein.
 2. The electrosurgical device ofclaim 1, wherein said seal includes a lip portion and a body portion. 3.The electrosurgical device of claim 1, wherein said seal is manufacturedfrom a thermoplastic elastomer.
 4. The electrosurgical device of claim1, wherein said seal overlays at least a portion of the actuator.
 5. Theelectrosurgical device of claim 1, wherein said seal includes a lipportion circumferentially surrounding said opening for accommodatingvarying diameters of electrodes.
 6. The electrosurgical device of claim1, wherein said seal is monolithically formed with said housing.
 7. Theelectrosurgical device of claim 1, wherein said seal is chemicallyadhered to said electrosurgical device.
 8. The electrosurgical device ofclaim 1, wherein said seal is mechanically attached to saidelectrosurgical device.
 9. The electrosurgical device of claim 1,wherein said switching mechanism includes a pair of moving contacts eachcorresponding to a stationary contact of said contact structure, whereinone of said moving contacts slides along said corresponding stationarycontact upon actuation of said actuator to clean said moving contact andsaid stationary contact.
 10. The electrosurgical device of claim 1,wherein said actuator is configured to actuate said switching mechanismto cause a moving contact to contact a corresponding stationary contactto create an electric circuit between said electrode and an electricgenerator of which said device is plugged into for performing cutting orcoagulating of tissue.
 11. The electrosurgical device of claim 1,further comprising a counting mechanism for counting the number of timesthe electrosurgical device is plugged into an electric generator. 12.The electrosurgical device of claim 11, wherein said counting mechanismincludes a disable mechanism for preventing said electrosurgical devicefrom being plugged into the electric generator after a pre-determinedamount of insertion and removal operations.
 13. The electrosurgicaldevice of claim 11, wherein said counting mechanism includes anindicator for indicating to an operator the number of times the devicehas been inserted within the electric generator.
 14. An electrosurgicaldevice comprising: a longitudinal housing having a switching mechanismdisposed thereon and a nose area configured for inserting an electrodetherein, said housing further having contact structure thereinconfigured to electrically couple to said switching mechanism; anelectrical cord electrically coupled to said contact structure andextending from a proximal end of said housing; a plug connector having acounting mechanism, the plug connector connected to a proximal end ofsaid electrical cord and configured for connecting to a power supplysource for supplying current to said contact structure via saidelectrical cord, said counting mechanism having structure for countingthe number of times said plug connector is coupled to said power supplysource; an elastomeric seal formed integral with said housing having alip portion circumferentially extending from said nose area; and anactuator elastomeric seal disposed around said housing and operativelyassociated with said switching mechanism.
 15. The electrosurgical deviceof claim 14, wherein said switching mechanism includes at least onemoving contact having a moving contact face aligned with a stationarycontact face of a stationary contact of the contact structure, whereinsaid moving contact face slides along said stationary contact face whensaid actuator seal is actuated to clean said moving and stationarycontact faces.
 16. A kit for performing electrosurgical procedurescomprising: an electrosurgical device having a longitudinal housing; atleast one elastomeric seal formed integral with said housing for sealingcomponents therein; and a plug connector having a counting mechanism,the plug connector connected to a proximal end of an electrical cord,said electrical cord configured for coupling said counting mechanismwith circuitry within said housing of said electrosurgical device, saidcounting mechanism configured for connecting to a power supply sourcefor supplying current to said circuitry via said electrical cord, saidcounting mechanism having structure for counting the number of timessaid plug connector is coupled to said power supply source.
 17. The kitaccording to claim 16, wherein said electrosurgical device comprises aswitching mechanism including at least one moving contact having amoving contact face aligned with a stationary contact face of astationary contact, wherein said moving contact face slides along saidstationary contact face when said switching mechanism is actuated toclean said moving and stationary contact faces.
 18. An electrosurgicaldevice comprising: a housing having a switching mechanism configured tooperatively couple to contact structure; an actuator operativelyassociated with the switching mechanism for operating theelectrosurgical device between a cutting and a coagulating mode; and aseal overlaying at least a portion of the housing for preventing fluidsand contaminants from entering the housing, said seal defining anopening at a distal end of the housing for inserting an electrodetherein, wherein said switching mechanism includes a pair of movingcontacts each corresponding to a stationary contact of said contactstructure, wherein one of said moving contacts slides along saidcorresponding stationary contact upon actuation of said actuator toclean said moving contact and said stationary contact.